Two days out

That's why Saturday's exhibition game against Division III St. John's (Minn.) should be interesting with regard to the starting lineup coach Buzz Williams trots out onto Al McGuire Court at the Bradley Center.

Williams used five different starting lineups in 12 non-conference games last season before settling on Lazar Hayward, Jimmy Butler, Darius Johnson-Odom, David Cubillan and Maurice Acker five games into the Big East schedule.

He said on Thursday that a similar scenario could play out in the early portion of this season -- especially considering how many newcomers he's adding into the mix.

"I think it'll be musical chairs until we can figure out who everybody is -- not just on game day, but every day," he said. "I think that the returning guys probably have an advantage because they understand that's what it is.

"I understand the wanting to know, and kind of the scoop that comes from who's starting. But I'm more concerned about who's going to finish than I am who's going to start. And it could end up being the same crew. But it could also not be the same guys.

"And I hope that we have options, you know what I mean?"

At least two of the aforementioned newcomers -- forward Jae Crowder and guard Vander Blue -- figure to play prominent roles from the outset. In fact, after throwing my best guess out at the opening starting lineup in my chat earlier, I did a little more digging and found out that it might wind up looking more like this (unfortunately, my other duties have kept me out of practice so far):

Of course, there's plenty that can shake out in the six days between the St. John's game and the true opener against Prairie View A&M. But Buycks at the point and Otule starting at center would be sure to raise some eyebrows, just because neither played much of a role at those positions a year ago.

As far as how deep Williams plans to go with his rotation, it appears it'll be deeper than the 7-deep group he more often than not stuck with as the Big East season wore on last year.

"Normally it works itself out," Williams said. "I hope that we prove we have more depth. On paper, you would assume that depth would come from new guys. Those new guys have yet to play under the lights -- we'll see. But I guess in a philosophical answer I'd like to play 9 1/2 guys, with that half being a specialist."

Ups and downs: As is to be somewhat expected, MU's practices have been subject to the normal ebb and flow that comes with trying to integrate so many new faces.

"We probably started fast, then we kind of leveled out, and I think we're back on the rise the last two days," Williams said. "There's some things that we've yet to put in that, as coach, is probably my fault because I'm making sure what we do have in, we can execute.

"I don't want to go so fast that we're just OK in everything. I want to try to continue repping it until we understand all the options, all the things we can do. I think our guys are figuring out how hard they have to play. The new guys don't quite understand the value of a possession yet, but they're getting closer.

"I'm trying to teach one new thing a day, whether that be on offense or defense, and then add something to it the next day."

Williams added MU is behind in Xs and Os "probably by four days," but ahead "six to eight days relative to the culture."

Helping matters has been working with a full contingent of players. Last year, between transfers and injuries the Golden Eagles were so shorthanded at the end of the season they didn't have enough players to be able to field two five-man teams in practice.

Aside from a few bumps and bruises -- Jamil Wilson had all four wisdom teeth removed on Wednesday and is still rounding into shape after a concussion -- it's been all hands on deck.

"We've had some academic stuff -- that's always a priority -- that sometimes shifts around practice, and the timing of it. But at least every day they're all there physically," he said. "They haven't always been there every day mentally or emotionally, but they're figuring that out.

"It's not just good for me as a coach -- it's good for them, for each other."

Scrimmage recap: While NCAA rules limited what he could say about this past weekend's scrimmage/workout with Virginia at the Al McGuire Center, Williams appeared pleased with the work the Golden Eagles got in as a result of it.

"It was productive on a lot of different fronts," he said. "Our guys and the intent of what we were trying to do was right. I was encouraged by that. I was encouraged on a lot of different levels by our guys. It was a long day, but it was really good."

So much so, in fact, that Williams and the decisionmakers at MU are strongly considering moving toward getting rid of both the exhibition games they're allowed to schedule in favor of two closed-door scrimmages.

"Wer'e going to see if we can try to do maybe two in the future, just because I think there's so many layers that are helpful, just because it's maybe the only thing the NCAA doesn't restrict or legislate -- the time you can work that day," he said.

If that's the case, then Saturday could wind up having a little historical significance.

Welcome back: Speaking of which, longtime St. John's coach Jim Smith is a former MU player, having suited up from 1952-'56, during the Tex Winter era.

Smith has racked up an amazing 713 wins in his 46 previous seasons at St. John's, and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from MU last spring.

Smith last brought his St. John's team to Milwaukee in 1974, and got the ball rolling on Saturday's matchup by emailing Williams.

About time: Because of scheduling problems, Saturday will mark the first time this season the Golden Eagles will take to the court at the Bradley Center.

Traditionally, they'll get to practice at least a few times on their home court prior to the start of the season, if for no other reason than to get their bearings in the cavernous building.

"It's kind of the luck of the draw," Williams said. "It's the Bucks' schedule, the Admirals' schedule, Sesame Street Live. I don't want to holler and scream, because I'm going to be at Sesame Street Live. It's just kind of part of it.

"They allow us in when they can allow us in, every single time. It's just kind of worked out that way."

Honoring Big Luke: Plans are to honor former MU star Maurice Lucas at some point on Saturday, with the potential of doing something more in-depth as the season continues.

Wrapping up: And finally, you have spoken!

I'm amazed by the response I got from my query in my chat earlier today regarding Twitter. It's been overwhelmingly in favor of me starting an account, so I shall honor everyone's wishes and get on it in the coming days.

I'll make a post on here once it's up and running to let you know. Then, feel free to tweet away -- questions, comments, anything. I'll do the best I can. Just cut me some slack early on as I feel my way around it.

Anything for you readers!

Oh, and in that same vein, I'll be posting a couple new videos tomorrow. The first is with Jae Crowder, talking about how things have been going for one of MU's most important newcomers. The second is with Erik Williams, talking about the strides he's made since last season, and what he learned from his difficult freshman year.